Indian Cove Campground

California's Best Camping

Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Indian Cove Campground

Joshua Tree National Park


Indian Cove Campground

Indian Cove Campground is on the north side of Joshua Tree National Park. Campsites are nestled among towering rocks, sculpted over the centuries by wind and rain. With many excellent rock climbing routes nearby, the campground is popular with climbers as well as those who appreciate a beauty of the rock formations. There is no drinking water at Indian Cove Campground. Water is available 2 miles away at the ranger station.

Twenty-eight of the sites at Indian Cove Campground are available for tents, RVs, or trailers, while 63 are tent-only sites. Some campsites are small and may not accommodate the maximum number of people and vehicles. Check the specific details when you are registering for a particular site. Indian Cove includes 13 Group Camps.

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Indian Cove Campground Basics
Indian Cove Campground Location: north end of Joshua Tree National Park, off Highway 62
Elevation: 3,200 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: Twentynine Palms - 3 miles, 10 minutes
Riverside - 95 miles, 1:44
Number of Sites: 101
Camping Season: Open year-round
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles/tents per Site: 2 vehicles (if space permits), 3 tents
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Joshua Tree National Park
Park information: (760) 367-5500

Reservations for Indian Cove Campground
Reservations: Reservations are required for Indian Cove from the end of August through early June.
At other times campsites are first-come, first-served.
Booking Window: from 1 day up to 6 months in advance of arrival
Camping Limit: 14 nights from October through May with 30 days total per year
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 25 - 35 feet, varies by site
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $25
Campground Photos and Map: Indian Cove Campground Photos and Map
Reservations: Indian Cove Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Noon, Noon

Indian Cove Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire grate
Campground: Vault toilets, no drinking water, amphitheater
Showers and laundry: Twentynine Palms, 10 miles
Dump station: No
Attractions near Indian Cove Campground:
  • Hike the Boy Scout Trail.
  • Find plenty of nearby rock climbing spots.
  • Tour Oasis Visitor Center.
  • Visit nearby 49 Palms Oasis.
  • Enjoy ranger-led interpretive programs.


Indian Cove Group Camps

Indian Cove Campground has 13 tent-only, group sites. The maximum number of people allowed at each site ranges from 15 to 60. The minimum number for all sites is 7. The number of vehicles allowed per site ranges from 10 to 18, and fees range from $35 to $50 per night. Each campsite has picnic tables and fire pits.
Reservations: Indian Cove Group Camps

General Camping Information for
Joshua Tree National Park

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the website when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Water is not available at all campgrounds. Plan ahead and carry plenty of water.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.




Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park
Attractions and Activities

Visitors to Joshua Tree National Park appreciate the stunning beauty of the desert and the wonderful flora and fauna of the region. Campers at Indian Cove Campground find campsites tucked in among massive boulders.

  • Stroll through Black Rock Canyon with its magnificent Joshua Tree forest.
  • Visit Cottonwood Springs and discover its cultural history. Find good hiking and birding there.
  • Indian Cove has enjoyable nature trails featuring the Wonderland of Rocks.
  • Keys View offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and the high peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio.
  • Skull Rock is certain to make you pull out your camera.
  • Wildflower viewing is best from February through June.
  • Ranger-led Programs include nature walks and campfire programs. See the- Joshua Tree Calendar of Events.
  • Enjoy the 18-mile geology motor tour.
  • Take a guided ranger tour of historic Keys Ranch.

Key Indian Cove Campground Regulations

  1. Campfires may only be lit in existing fire rings or grades in developed campgrounds. Bring your own firewood.
  2. Towed Vehicles are counted as one of the two vehicles permitted per campsite.
  3. All tents, tarps, and other camping equipment must be set up within 25 feet of the picnic table or fire grate.
  4. Secure food and scented items in a safe place that will prevent access by wildlife.
  5. All tents, tarps, and other camping equipment must be set up within 25 feet (7.6 m) of the picnic table or fire grate.
  6. Generators may only be operated from 7 AM to 9 AM, Noon to 2 PM, and 5 PM to 7 PM.

    Check Joshua Tree National Park Camping for any park and campground updates.